Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I understand the struggles many of my students face. I grew up in a similar community and know how powerful it is when someone believes in you. I wanted to be that person for my students. Teaching allows me to help them build confidence, think critically, and see possibilities beyond what they may experience every day. My goal is to help them realize their voice matters and that education can change the direction of their lives.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments was watching my students produce their own podcast and social justice projects about real issues affecting their communities. Students who once struggled to speak in class began confidently sharing their stories and ideas. Seeing them research, speak, and take pride in their work showed me that when students feel heard and valued, they rise to the challenge and begin to see themselves as leaders.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the funding into expanding opportunities for student voice, leadership, and media production at our school. Many of my students come from communities with limited access to technology and creative outlets. The funds would help build a stronger student media and storytelling program where students can produce podcasts, videos, and news segments about issues that matter to them. It would also support civic engagement and leadership projects that help students see themselves as futur